King County
Overview
This recruitment is open internally to current employees of the King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) who have completed their probationary period. The Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking to fill one Special Duty Assignment (SDA) for the position of
Public Defense Attorney – Supervisor
within its Northwest Defenders Division (NDD). Practice Area placement will be King County District Court and Calendar supervision. This assignment is anticipated to last for up to three (3) to six (6) months but may be extended or end early based on business needs. This recruitment will be used to create an eligibility pool to fill future SDA vacancies over the next six (6) months. The successful applicant will have a passion for public defense and for representing clients, focusing on their objectives, interests, and dignity. They will be committed to fighting institutional and structural racism and addressing issues related to equity and social justice within the workplace and the broader field of public defense. They will demonstrate the ability to supervise the work of other lawyers and support staff and to mentor, develop, evaluate, and support employees in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should be fully knowledgeable of court procedures and the law; have considerable trial experience; possess excellent writing, research, and analytic skills; and have expertise in case preparation, handling, and disposition. In many instances, attorney supervisors will carry a partial caseload. Levels of responsibility will range from supervising entry-level attorneys to those who are highly experienced. The supervisor will ensure that caseload standards that foster excellence in legal representation are observed in accordance with Washington State Bar Association guidelines. Supervising attorneys will have a demonstrated commitment to clients, the Division, and DPD, and will have an aptitude for management and leadership, able to work within a team of managers. Essential job duties
Supervise attorneys. Develop, evaluate, train, mentor, and coach unit employees and interns. Ensure work conforms with professional standards, applicable statutes, rules, and DPD and county policies. In consultation with the NDD Managing Attorney, the Director’s Office, and HR staff, conduct disciplinary investigations and impose discipline when appropriate. Implement and monitor corrective and career development action plans and provide support for positive changes. Conduct performance evaluations of unit employees, at least annually, and as required for probationary periods, TLTs, and interns. Assign and balance workload among attorneys within the unit. Keep unit up-to-date on DPD policies, developments, legislative proposals or enactments, and changes in administrative and case law relevant to the practice area. Act as a catalyst for problem-solving and conflict resolution within the unit and the Division. Carry a partial caseload with excellent legal representation and trial skills; maintain strong client rapport, legal research, and negotiation abilities. Maintain and update a computerized case-management system to track caseloads and assignments; use reports to evaluate and support the unit’s work. Identify cases presenting ethical conflicts of interest for DPD. Work with the Director’s Office to ensure the unit has training and resources to perform effectively. Support and promote DPD’s mission and policies, including activities that strengthen public defense in King County. Serve on call at least twice a year and supervise on-call attorneys. Participate as an active member of the Division Management Team, attend meetings, relay information, and assist with division-wide initiatives and operations. Coordinate with supervisors to manage overlapping work and support division efficiency. Set a positive and supportive tone in the Division. Perform other duties as assigned. Note: Detailed specifics of job duties are assigned by case type and division. Qualifications
REQUIRED
– Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. Member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing and at least three years of legal practice. Washington State Driver's License or ability to travel to required destinations. Knowledge:
Community resources and referral agencies; computer applications for legal research and case management; case management; application of legal principles; judicial and trial procedure; research and investigation methods. Ability to:
Collaborate with HR and adhere to DPD, county, and union policies; manage a work unit; build attorney-client relationships; communicate across the justice system; investigate and document complaints; train, supervise, evaluate, mentor, and improve staff performance; assess and implement program changes; address safety and training needs; demonstrate strong interpersonal communication and empathy. Skills:
Interpreting laws and regulations; presenting complex facts and precedents in briefs and decisions; understanding constitutional provisions; conducting legal research; working with diverse populations; commitment to DPD clients. Why King County?
King County values guide our work. We aim to make King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including a pension plan, holidays, transit pass, and opportunities for growth and development, with a focus on work-life balance. How to apply
This recruitment is open internally to current DPD employees who have completed their probationary period. If you are a current supervising attorney in NDD and wish to be considered for transfer, email the NDD Managing Attorney by the closing date of this recruitment. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply or indicate transfer preferences. Online application at the King County jobs site. Cover letter (no more than two pages) detailing your experience and qualifications. Resume. Work Location and Schedule
DPD offers a supportive and inclusive workplace. Onsite reporting requirements are based on operational needs. Public Defense Attorney Supervisors may be required to travel to various locations throughout King County, including courts, jails, hospitals, and treatment centers. If assigned to the civil commitment unit, you will primarily report to hospitals and treatment centers. Work locations and reporting requirements may change to meet priorities. Rotation of work location, practice area, and workflow is possible to support operations. Possible office locations include Seattle and Kent facilities listed in the original job posting. This position is exempt from overtime under the FLSA. You are expected to work the hours necessary to perform your job and will not be eligible for overtime pay or compensatory time. Policies and Compliance
DPD policies apply, including Ethical Walls policies and Outside Work policy for Attorneys. The position is represented by the Teamsters, Local 117. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. Salary and Benefits
Salary and benefits follow applicable state and county regulations and plans. King County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid sick and vacation leave, holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance, retirement and deferred compensation. Detailed benefits information is available to finalists.
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This recruitment is open internally to current employees of the King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) who have completed their probationary period. The Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking to fill one Special Duty Assignment (SDA) for the position of
Public Defense Attorney – Supervisor
within its Northwest Defenders Division (NDD). Practice Area placement will be King County District Court and Calendar supervision. This assignment is anticipated to last for up to three (3) to six (6) months but may be extended or end early based on business needs. This recruitment will be used to create an eligibility pool to fill future SDA vacancies over the next six (6) months. The successful applicant will have a passion for public defense and for representing clients, focusing on their objectives, interests, and dignity. They will be committed to fighting institutional and structural racism and addressing issues related to equity and social justice within the workplace and the broader field of public defense. They will demonstrate the ability to supervise the work of other lawyers and support staff and to mentor, develop, evaluate, and support employees in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should be fully knowledgeable of court procedures and the law; have considerable trial experience; possess excellent writing, research, and analytic skills; and have expertise in case preparation, handling, and disposition. In many instances, attorney supervisors will carry a partial caseload. Levels of responsibility will range from supervising entry-level attorneys to those who are highly experienced. The supervisor will ensure that caseload standards that foster excellence in legal representation are observed in accordance with Washington State Bar Association guidelines. Supervising attorneys will have a demonstrated commitment to clients, the Division, and DPD, and will have an aptitude for management and leadership, able to work within a team of managers. Essential job duties
Supervise attorneys. Develop, evaluate, train, mentor, and coach unit employees and interns. Ensure work conforms with professional standards, applicable statutes, rules, and DPD and county policies. In consultation with the NDD Managing Attorney, the Director’s Office, and HR staff, conduct disciplinary investigations and impose discipline when appropriate. Implement and monitor corrective and career development action plans and provide support for positive changes. Conduct performance evaluations of unit employees, at least annually, and as required for probationary periods, TLTs, and interns. Assign and balance workload among attorneys within the unit. Keep unit up-to-date on DPD policies, developments, legislative proposals or enactments, and changes in administrative and case law relevant to the practice area. Act as a catalyst for problem-solving and conflict resolution within the unit and the Division. Carry a partial caseload with excellent legal representation and trial skills; maintain strong client rapport, legal research, and negotiation abilities. Maintain and update a computerized case-management system to track caseloads and assignments; use reports to evaluate and support the unit’s work. Identify cases presenting ethical conflicts of interest for DPD. Work with the Director’s Office to ensure the unit has training and resources to perform effectively. Support and promote DPD’s mission and policies, including activities that strengthen public defense in King County. Serve on call at least twice a year and supervise on-call attorneys. Participate as an active member of the Division Management Team, attend meetings, relay information, and assist with division-wide initiatives and operations. Coordinate with supervisors to manage overlapping work and support division efficiency. Set a positive and supportive tone in the Division. Perform other duties as assigned. Note: Detailed specifics of job duties are assigned by case type and division. Qualifications
REQUIRED
– Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. Member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing and at least three years of legal practice. Washington State Driver's License or ability to travel to required destinations. Knowledge:
Community resources and referral agencies; computer applications for legal research and case management; case management; application of legal principles; judicial and trial procedure; research and investigation methods. Ability to:
Collaborate with HR and adhere to DPD, county, and union policies; manage a work unit; build attorney-client relationships; communicate across the justice system; investigate and document complaints; train, supervise, evaluate, mentor, and improve staff performance; assess and implement program changes; address safety and training needs; demonstrate strong interpersonal communication and empathy. Skills:
Interpreting laws and regulations; presenting complex facts and precedents in briefs and decisions; understanding constitutional provisions; conducting legal research; working with diverse populations; commitment to DPD clients. Why King County?
King County values guide our work. We aim to make King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including a pension plan, holidays, transit pass, and opportunities for growth and development, with a focus on work-life balance. How to apply
This recruitment is open internally to current DPD employees who have completed their probationary period. If you are a current supervising attorney in NDD and wish to be considered for transfer, email the NDD Managing Attorney by the closing date of this recruitment. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply or indicate transfer preferences. Online application at the King County jobs site. Cover letter (no more than two pages) detailing your experience and qualifications. Resume. Work Location and Schedule
DPD offers a supportive and inclusive workplace. Onsite reporting requirements are based on operational needs. Public Defense Attorney Supervisors may be required to travel to various locations throughout King County, including courts, jails, hospitals, and treatment centers. If assigned to the civil commitment unit, you will primarily report to hospitals and treatment centers. Work locations and reporting requirements may change to meet priorities. Rotation of work location, practice area, and workflow is possible to support operations. Possible office locations include Seattle and Kent facilities listed in the original job posting. This position is exempt from overtime under the FLSA. You are expected to work the hours necessary to perform your job and will not be eligible for overtime pay or compensatory time. Policies and Compliance
DPD policies apply, including Ethical Walls policies and Outside Work policy for Attorneys. The position is represented by the Teamsters, Local 117. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. Salary and Benefits
Salary and benefits follow applicable state and county regulations and plans. King County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid sick and vacation leave, holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance, retirement and deferred compensation. Detailed benefits information is available to finalists.
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